WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dole Food Company and Fair Trade USA jointly announced today the
inauguration of two new community centers near Dole’s Muelle and Bosque
Farms in Costa Rica, made possible by Fair Trade purchases made at Whole
Foods Market stores, which drive additional money to pineapple
farmworkers to invest in projects of their choosing. The commencement
events at the two locations took place on December 5th and 6th,
2017.

To earn Fair Trade certification, farms must adhere to rigorous social,
environmental and economic standards. Once certified, farmworkers
directly earn additional Community Development Funds with every
purchase. They then vote on how to use the money to address their needs.
This direct economic benefit is truly what makes Fair Trade unique, and
is a process that takes time and dedication to be realized. The farms
were Fair Trade Certified™ in the second half of 2012, requiring
approximately four years of savings – as decided by the workers
themselves – before breaking ground on the new facilities.

“I’ve had the privilege of visiting these Community Centers firsthand,
and was moved by the dedication of the workers to this project and the
quality of the facilities,” said Ken Redding, Chief Commercial Officer
at Fair Trade USA. “Working together they identified a critical need,
saved over time, and invested their Fair Trade Funds in a project that
will serve the community for decades to come. That’s the Fair Trade
Difference at work.”

Unique in the fresh fruit industry, these centers were built to improve
the quality of life of employees, and those in surrounding communities
of Cutris in San Carlos and Guacimo in Limon, Costa Rica.

“These facilities have become a reality thanks to the Fair Trade USA
program,” said Renato Acuna, Dole President of Fresh Fruit Latin
America. “This certification acknowledges that we are striving to
increase farm worker empowerment, including leadership and organization
of farm workers, economic development, and to ensure fair working
conditions and environmentally responsible production methods. We are
proud to have achieved this standard.”

Whole Foods Market is also a critical piece of the equation. As the main
retailer and only National grocer in the U.S. offering these Fair Trade
Certified pineapples from Costa Rica, their direct purchases have made
the investment possible. These pineapples also meet Whole Foods Market’s
Whole Trade Guarantee, which includes a 1% donation to Whole
Planet Foundation for every purchase.

“Whole Foods Market is proud of our longstanding partnership with Dole
in purchasing Fair Trade certified, Whole Trade Guaranteed Pineapples
from Costa Rica,” said Kevin Doty, Senior Produce Coordinator for Whole
Foods Market. “The Fair Trade premiums generated from the sales of these
pineapples makes a positive impact on the lives of farm workers, their
families, and communities. We are honored to be part of this special
relationship and look forward to the continued success of programs like
this.”

Education is a common need for many farming communities in Latin
America. Previously the Fair Trade Committee at Dole’s La Virgen Farm
built a community Education Center in 2013. A total of 344 people have
graduated from the program: 150 adults in computer skills, 80 children
in English and computer skills, 52 adults in English, 26 women in
manicure/pedicure skills, 20 in handicraft classes, 12 in motorcycle
repair, and 4 adults learned to read and write through an
alphabetization program. Currently, there are an additional 263 people
participating in several courses, including a high school program for
adults, English, computer skills (Word/Excel), handicrafts (sewing,
ceramics), and manicure/pedicure. 18 children are taking English and
computer classes.

In addition to classrooms and computer rooms, the organic pineapple farm
at La Virgen boasts a sporting facility, also built thanks to Fair Trade
purchases. These facilities have been a powerful addition to community
life.

A similar sports structure is projected to be built at centers
supporting the Muelle and Bosque farm communities in the future.

About Dole Food Company

Dole Food Company, Inc., is one of the world’s largest producers and
marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole is an
industry leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in
nutrition education and research. For more information, please visit www.dole.com.

About Fair Trade USA

Fair Trade USA is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable
livelihoods for farmers and workers; protects fragile ecosystems; and
builds strong, transparent supply chains through independent,
third-party certification. Its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ label
signifies that rigorous standards have been met in the production,
trade, and promotion of Fair Trade products from over 80 countries
across the globe. Recognized as a leading social venture by the Clinton
Global Initiative, the Skoll Foundation, and Ashoka, Fair Trade USA also
provides critical capacity-building programs at origin, and educates
consumers about the power of their purchase. Visit www.FairTradeCertified.org for
more information.